Patient's question:
It is said that jaundice has two types: pathological jaundice and physiological jaundice. My child just got born, and then we went for a check-up to find out the condition. The jaundice level was 16.6. Is this considered high in this case?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice refers to the condition during the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. It is the most common clinical issue in newborns. This condition can be categorized into two major types: physiological and pathological. Based on the current test results, the child's jaundice index is 16.6 mg/dL, which should be considered pathological jaundice. Generally, it is recommended to treat it with blue light therapy or medication.